DIY Teal Pumpkin Project Sign

Just like last year with our Glittered Polka Dot Teal Pumpkin, we are super excited to make this DIY Teal Pumpkin Project Sign to support the Teal Pumpkin Project. In case you are unfamiliar with this wonderful program, it was created to “raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.”

Whether you are giving treats away at your door, planning a Halloween party, or supplying items for a school or church Halloween or Fall event, having nonfood items available makes this treat-centered holiday possible for all kids.

Last year, I picked up a few nonfood treats to hand out and they were so popular, we ended up handing them out with the candy to the rest of the kiddos, too. Unfortunately, we ran out fast. So this year, with the help of Oriental Trading Company’s generous donation of loads of fun toys, games, and novelties, we plan to cover every single kid that rings our doorbell. And for the record, Oriental Trading supplied the treats, but as usual, all of our opinions are our own.

I showed the bucketful of treats to my son and his friends before I took the photos and their eyes got huge so I asked them if they’d like to get treats like this on Halloween. I was met with a very loud “YES!” before they started begging me for some. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. We always buy goodies for birthday party treat bags, summer camps, and church events from Oriental Trading and now we’ve added Halloween to that list.

Steps

1: Stain the wood pallet sign. My sign measures 13″ by 9.5″ and I used spray stain because I think it’s easier to use, especially for smaller projects.

2. Paint your wood pumpkin shape teal. I painted two coats. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before adding another coat. I only painted the front and sides since it will be glued to the sign. Also, paint the stem and leaves brown if your wood shape has them.

TIP: If your pumpkin seems a little flat, sketch out some curved lines to show the segments on the surface, then use a different shade of teal to trace over your lines.

3. Paint all of your wood letters black. The chipboard letters will take longer to dry than the wood ones,

4. Once the stain on your wood sign is completely dry, paint it with the white chalk paint. I painted three coats. Let each coat dry completely before you paint another.

5. Sand the edges and some of the middle areas of the wood sign to give it a worn look.

PRO TIP: I actually use my Mouse Sander for all of my sanding. I have zero patience and a bad grip, so those little squares are a no go.

6. Apply the wax over the white chalk paint and rub it in with a rag.

7. Cut a 20-inch piece of the teal ribbon.

8. Once the sign is completely dry, staple or glue the ribbon to the top left and right corners of the sign. I recommend using a staple gun for maximum strength.

9. Glue the pumpkin into the bottom right corner of the sign. Apply the glue to the sign and not the pumpkin so you can make sure to hit the slats.

10. Glue the black letters to the sign so they say “Dont be Scared | WE HAVE NONFOOD TREATS” or some other variation. Again, watch where you are applying the glue so it doesn’t hit the open areas of the sign.

TIP: Most if the wood and chipboard letters don’t come with punctuation, so you may need to paint your apostrophe on like I did.

11. Let the whole thing dry for at least an hour before you try to hang it so your letters and pumpkin don’t slide off.

12. Now for the really fun part, pick out a festive Halloween bucket or bowl to fill with nonfood treats like small toys, games, and novelties like the ones we got from Oriental Trading Company.

That’s it! This fun DIY Teal Pumpkin Project Sign may have several involved steps, but it really is easy to make. It’s perfect for those of you who already have a teal pumpkin or maybe just want to have something reusable and easy to hang.

Hi, I’m Marie. I’ve been obsessed with crafting for most of my life. I love to experiment with new crafting techniques as well as making the classics. Over the years and after three kids involved in various activities, I discovered my other passion, event planning. I love making my own decorations and styling rooms for parties. I’m at my happiest when I can combine crafts and party styling. It’s so much fun!

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About Marie Dabbs

Hi, I'm Marie. I've been obsessed with crafting for most of my life. I love to experiment with new crafting techniques as well as making the classics. Over the years and after three kids involved in various activities, I discovered my other passion, event planning. I love making my own decorations and styling rooms for parties. I'm at my happiest when I can combine crafts and party styling. It's so much fun!
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